Apple announces a new iPhone or multiple iPhones every September, and although 2019 has just started, there's now ample speculation about the Cupertino brand's follow-up to the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR.
Barclays just came out with its latest forecast for the iPhone 11, and the most noteworthy out of all the predictions is that it'll support the latest generation of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6, as it's called, is apparently up to 30 times faster than current Wi-Fi standards. Although a number of consumer routers already support it, no mobile devices can take advantage of the technology yet, simply because they don't have the hardware.
But the iPhone 11 will do, according to Barclays. This speculation follows preexisting rumors that Apple will put a triple-camera system, improved Face ID, and new antenna technology on its next iPhone.
iPhone 11 Rumors
Rumors about the next iteration of iPhone started coming last year. Back in November, trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the iPhone lineup for 2019 will feature much better Face ID. More specifically, Kuo claimed that Apple will improve "the power of the flood illuminator which will help reduce the potential for environmental light to interfere with Face ID."
New Antennas
He also said that the new iPhones will have a new approach to antennas, particularly the modified PI approach. This, in theory, should help Apple achieve better production yields and improve product performance.
Same iPhone Design
Then last month, Nomura analyst Anne Lee said there wouldn't be significant changes to this year's iPhone lineup in terms of design. That really shouldn't be a surprise anymore. The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR look practically identical to 2017's iPhone X. Plus, there's very little Apple can change, anyway, save for slimming down the notch. The monobrow, however, has become such a signature look for the phone that Apple could simply leave it be.
Triple Cameras
A recent report from The Wall Street Journal reiterates the triple-camera system rumor, saying that the 6.5-inch iPhone 11 model will come with three lenses. It's not exactly clear what for.
Wi-Fi 6
Going back to Wi-Fi 6, this new standard apparently promises faster speeds, greater range, increased capacity, reduced latency, higher security, and faster initial connection to a network. That all sounds spectacular, but anything new should be treated with ample caution. If the iPhone 11 ends up having it, then great. But if not, it's probably not going to be such a loss. Current Wi-Fi is pretty excellent already, anyway. Innovation, however, is always welcome.
